Patent Application
20090082004
The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “Systems and Methods for Provisioning Wireless Devices Based on Multiple Network-Service Application Profiles and Data Session Conflict Resolution”, Attorney Docket No. 072232; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Dynamic Source Determination of Provisioning Information on a Per-Network Service Basis for Open Market Wireless Devices”, Attorney Docket No. 072235; U.S. patent application Ser. No. _______ entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Application Network-Server Determination for Removable Module-Based Wireless Devices”, Attorney Docket No. 072282. These applications have been filed concurrently herewith the present application and are assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.
1. Field
The present aspects relate to wireless communication devices, and more particularly, to apparatus and methods for network operator identification of open market wireless devices.
2. Background
A wireless communication device, otherwise referred to as a handset, is utilized to communicate with another handset or a landline phone via a wireless communication network. In order to establish a connection with the wireless communication network, the handset must have a relationship with an operator or service provider to allow access to the wireless communication network and to manage billing the user of the handset for the use of the wireless communication network. In a closed market system, the operator maintains a degree of control over the distribution and sale of handsets operable on the wireless communication network of the operator. For example, the operator may distribute and sell the handsets itself, or authorize a third party to perform this task, where the respective closed market handsets are authorized and provisioned by the operator to work on the wireless communication network of the operator. Thus, a closed market handset is limited for use in a specific wireless communication network corresponding to the respective operator.
In contrast to the closed market system, an open market system allows a handset to be distributed and sold for use on any of a plurality of wireless communication networks each corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of different operators. In the closed market system, a user must obtain a removable module, such as a smart card, from one of the plurality of different operators, where the user identity module includes a key or other authorization mechanism allowing operation on one of the plurality of wireless communication networks. The user may then insert a removable module that includes user identity information into the open market handset, thereby enabling the open market handset to communicate with the respective wireless communication network associated with the operator that authorized the removable module. For example, a removable module may be referred to as a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) for a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a CDMA Subscriber Identity Module (CSIM) based on a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) for a CDMA system, Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) based on a UICC for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) system. For the sake of brevity the term removable module is used herein throughout to refer to any module that may be inserted or otherwise is communication with a wireless device that provides for storage of data, such as user identity information.
In the open market system, while the network operators control the user identity modules, the network operators have no control over wireless devices into which the user identity modules are inserted. As such, the network operator has no way of knowing which particular devices (for example, the manufacturer, model type or the like) are being used by each subscriber (i.e., user identity module holder) in their respective network. This is because the wireless devices may have been purchased from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or another third party distribution channel.
Tracking the devices that are being implemented in the network provides the network operator with valuable information. The device identification information may be used to assess the capabilities of the devices in the system so that the network providers can better tailor service availability based on device capability. Additionally, when the network operators have information that allows them to identify the particular devices being used in the network, the network operators can use the information for marketing purposes. For example, a network operator may provide exclusive offers or incentives to a particular wireless device type that is readily used in the network or the like. In addition, the network operators may desire to know the current state of the wireless devices in the network, in terms of the current capabilities of the device (i.e., the current hardware capabilities and/or the current software/firmware capabilities as defined by the software/firmware revision number).
Additionally, device type knowledge may be beneficial to the network operator in providing customer care/technical assistance to an open market network subscriber in need of such. While the network subscriber may be able to provide the requisite information manually, in certain instances the information needed for the network operator to provide the necessary technical support is not readily available to the subscriber. In other instances, due to the problems that the subscriber is experiencing, the subscriber may not be able to access the requisite information, such as make, model, serial number or the like on the device.
Therefore a need exists, to properly and efficiently identify the particular open market wireless devices that being used in a wireless network. The desired methods and apparatus should provide for an automated process for identifying the wireless devices in the system and, therefore, provide a level of transparency to the network subscriber (i.e., the holder of the removable module). In addition, the desired system and apparatus should identify identification of devices as they are initially introduced into the network. Additionally, a need exists to insure that the identification and other profile data associated with the devices in the network reflects the current state of the wireless device in terms of hardware and/or software/firmware capabilities. A further need exists to dynamically identify and/or assess the capabilities of open market wireless devices in the instance in which the network operator is providing customer care or technical support to the subscriber via over-the-air communications or the like.
The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
Present methods, apparatus and systems for network identification of open market wireless communication devices. Specifically, the present innovation provides for the wireless device to send identification information, herein referred to as profile information, to a network entity, such as a network operator or the like, based on the receipt of a removable module in the wireless device. In one aspect, the removable module includes an executable application that provides for the removable module to retrieve the profile information from the associated wireless device and initiate the communication of the profile information to the network entity. The removable module-based application may further be operable to recognize that the device is being associated with the removable module for a first time (i.e. an initial insertion of the removable module in the wireless device), such that profile information is only communicated to the network entity based on a first time association/insertion of the removable module with the device. Thus, present aspects provide for automated network identification of open market wireless devices, such that, network operators can readily and automatically identify open market wireless devices being used in their respective networks. Accordingly, the automated nature of the described aspects provide for network identification of open market wireless devices without requiring the device users to manually register or otherwise identify their respective devices.
In addition, present aspects provide the network entity, such as the network operator or a third party entity, the ability to remotely access the removable module to request retrieval and communication of the profile information on an as needed basis. This aspect of the innovation is particularly useful in technical assistance/customer care scenarios, in which the network operator/customer care representative can remotely access and retrieve the profile information. Such remote access and retrieval, alleviates the need for the user of the device to locate the information on the device and manually convey the information to the network operator/customer care representative.
In one aspect a method is defined for network identification of an open market communication device. The method includes receiving a removable module at a wireless communication device. The removable module includes configuration to enable the removable module to communicate with a wireless network. The method additionally includes retrieving device profile information from wireless communication device memory based on the receipt of the removable module. The method also includes generating a device identification message that includes at least a portion of the device profile information and communicating the device identification message, via the wireless network, to a network operator associated with the removable module.
The method may further optionally include determining that network identification of the wireless device is required prior to retrieving the device profile information. The determination may be based on an initial, first-time, receipt of the removable module in the wireless communication device. As such, the determination may further include accessing a removable module memory to determine that a device identifier associated with the wireless communication device is not stored in the removable module memory. If the device identifier is not stored in the removable module memory, it is assumed that the removable module has not been associated with this particular wireless device previously and, therefore, a need exists to provide network identification of the open market wireless device. Based on the device identifier not existing in the removable module memory, the method may additionally include storing the device identifier in the removable module memory to insure that subsequent receipt/insertion of the removable module in the wireless device does not trigger the network identification process.
The method may additionally include launching a removable module-based device identification application in response to receiving the removable module in the wireless communication device. The removable module-based application may further be implemented to initiate the retrieval of the device profile information and initiate the generation of the device identification message. In some aspects, the device identification application may further be implemented to determine that network identification of the wireless device is required.
In some aspects of the method retrieving device profile information may further include executing a removable module interface application to retrieve the device profile information from the wireless communication device memory. In one specific method aspect, the removable module interface application may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Card Application Toolkit (CCAT) application or the like. Additionally, in some aspects of the method the profile information may be further defined as at least one of device manufacturer identifier, a device model identifier, a device identifier, such as an Electronic Serial Number (ESN) or the like, a software identifier, a software revision identifier, a firmware identifier, a firmware revision identifier, hardware identifier, and hardware capability identifier.
In some aspects of the method generating the device identification message further comprises generating a Short Message Service (SMS) communication that includes the device profile information. In alternate aspects, other communication mechanisms may be used to communicate the profile information to the network entity.
In other optional aspects, the method may include receiving a device identification request that requests dynamic network identification of the wireless communication device and retrieving the device profile information from the wireless communication device memory in response to receipt of the device identification request. The method further includes generating a second device identification message that includes the device profile information and communicating the second device identification message to a network entity associated with the device identification request. The method may further include launching a removable module-based device identification application in response to the device identification request, such that the device identification application initiates the retrieving of the device profile information and initiates the generating of the second device identification message. This aspect is drawn to the instance in which a network operator representative, such as a customer care representative or the like, dynamically accesses the removable module to retrieve the profile information.
A related aspect is provided for by at least one processor configured to provide network identification of an open market wireless communication device. The processor includes a first module for acknowledging receipt of a removable module at a wireless communication device and a second module for retrieving device profile information from wireless communication device memory in response to the receipt of the removable module. The removable module includes configuration to enable the removable module to communicate with a wireless network. The processor additionally includes a third module for generating a device identification message that includes at least a portion of the device profile information and a fourth module for communicating the device identification message, via the wireless network, to a network operator associated with the removable module.
A further related aspect is defined by a computer program product that includes a computer-readable medium. The medium includes a first set of codes for causing a computer to acknowledge receipt of a removable module at a wireless communication device and a second set of codes for causing the computer to retrieving device profile information from wireless communication device memory in response to the receipt of the removable module. The removable module includes configuration to enable the removable module to communicate on a wireless network. The medium additionally includes a third set of codes for causing the computer to generate a device identification message that includes the device profile information and a fourth module for communicating the device identification message, via the wireless network, to a network operator associated with the removable module.
Yet a further related aspect is provided for by an apparatus for network identification of an open market wireless communication device. The apparatus includes means for receiving a removable module at a wireless communication device and means for retrieving device profile information from wireless communication device memory in response to the receipt of the removable module. The removable module comprises configuration to enable the removable module to communicate on a wireless network. The apparatus additionally includes means for generating a device identification message that includes the device profile information and means for communicating the device identification message, via the wireless network, to a network operator associated with the removable module.
Another related aspect is defined by a wireless communication device that includes a computer platform including a processor and a memory that stores device profile information. The device also includes a messaging module, such as a Short Messaging Service (SMS) module or the like, operable for generating wireless communication. Additionally, the device includes a removable module in communication with the processor. The removable module includes configuration to enable the removable module to communicate on a wireless network and a device identification application operable to be launched when the removable module is received in the device, initiate retrieval of device profile information from the memory and prompt the messaging module to initiate generation of a device identification message that includes the device profile information. The wireless device additionally includes a communications module in communication with the processor and the removable module that is operable to communicate the device identification message, via the wireless network, to a network operator associated with the removable module.
In one aspect of the device the device identification application is further operable to determine if device identification of the wireless device is required. In such aspects, determination may be based on whether the receipt of the removable module in the wireless device is an initial, first-time receipt/insertion. The determination may be performed by accessing a removable module memory to determine if a device identifier associated with the wireless communication device is not stored in the removable module memory. As previously noted, if the device identifier is stored in the removable module memory it is assumed that the removable module has been previously associated/inserted in this particular wireless device and that the network has previously received the profile information related to this particular device. Thus, in certain aspects, the device is further operable to store the device identifier in removable module memory during the device identification procedure to insure that subsequent insertions of the removable module in the device do not trigger they need to provide the network with device identification.
In other aspects, the removable module may further include an interface application in communication with the processor and operable to retrieve the device profile information from the wireless communication device memory. In one specific application, the interface application may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Card Application Toolkit (CCAT) application. The device profile information that is retrieved and subsequently included in the device identification message may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a device manufacturer identifier, a device model identifier, a device identifier, a software identifier, a software revision identifier, a firmware identifier, a firmware revision identifier, hardware identifier, and hardware capability identifier.
In other optional aspects, the communications module is further operable to receive a device identification request that is operable to request dynamic network identification of the wireless communication device. The network identification application is further operable to initiate retrieving of the device profile information from the memory in response to receipt of the device identification request and prompt the messaging module to initiate generating a second device identification message that includes the device profile information. Additionally, the communications module is further operable to communicate the second device identification message to a network entity associated with the device identification request. As such, this aspect is drawn to the instance in which a network operator representative, such as a customer care representative or the like, dynamically accesses the removable module to retrieve the profile information.
A further aspect of the innovation is provided for by a method for requesting identification of an open market wireless communication device. The method includes generating a device identification request at a network entity and communicating the device identification request to a removable module. The method further includes receiving, at the network entity, a response to the device identification request that includes device profile information associated with an open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module and storing the device profile information in a database that associates the removable module with one or more open market devices.
In certain aspects of the method, generating a device identification request may further include generating the device identification request based on a removable module contacting the network entity for assistance. In other aspects of the method, generating a device identification request may further include generating the device identification request periodically based on a predetermined update schedule.
In certain aspects of the method, generating a device identification request may further provide for generating a Short Message Service (SMS) that includes a request for the device profile information. In such aspects, receiving, at the network entity, a response to the device identification request may further provide for receiving a SMS that includes the device profile information. As previously noted the device profile information may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a device manufacturer identifier, a device model identifier, a device identifier, a software identifier, a software revision identifier, a firmware identifier, a firmware revision identifier, hardware identifier, and hardware capability identifier.
A related aspect of the innovation is defined by at least one processor configured for requesting identification of an open market wireless communication device. The processor includes a first module for generating a device identification request at a network entity and a second module for communicating the device identification request to a removable module. The processor additionally includes a third module for receiving a response to the device identification request that includes device profile information associated with an open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module and a fourth module for storing the device profile information in a database that associates the removable module with one or more open market devices.
Yet a further related aspect is provided for by a computer program product that includes a computer-readable medium. The medium includes a first set of codes for causing a computer to generate a device identification request at a network entity and a second set of codes for causing the computer communicating the device identification request to a removable module. The medium additionally includes a third set of codes for causing the computer to receive a response to the device identification request that includes device profile information associated with an open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module and a fourth set of codes for causing the computer to store the device profile information in a database that associates the removable module with one or more open market devices.
An apparatus for requesting identification of an open market wireless communication device defines yet another related aspect. The apparatus includes means for generating a device identification request at a network entity and means for communicating the device identification request to a removable module. Further, the apparatus includes means for receiving, at the network entity, a response to the device identification request that includes device profile information associated with an open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module and means for storing the device profile information in a database that associates the removable module with one or more open market devices.
A network device provides for a further aspect of the present innovation. The device includes a computer platform including a processor and memory. The device also includes a messaging module, such as a SMS module or the like, stored in the memory, in communication with the processor, and operable to generate wireless communication messages. Additionally, the device includes a device identification request module stored in the memory and in communication with the processor. The device identification request module is operable to prompt the messaging module to initiate generation of a device identification request. Further, the device includes a communications module in communication with the processor and operable to communicate the device identification request to an identified removable module and receive a response to the device identification request that includes device profile information associated with an open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module. The device also includes a removable module device database that is operable to store the device profile information as an association with the removable module.
In one aspect of the network device, the device identification module is further operable to generate the request based on a removable module user contacting the network entity for assistance. In other aspects of the network device, the device identification module is further operable to generate the device identification request periodically based on a predetermined update schedule.
Thus, present aspects provide for methods, apparatus and systems for automatically providing network operators with identification of open market wireless devices that are used in the operator's respective network. Present aspects accomplish such by retrieving device profile information in response to the network operator's removable module being associated with (i.e., inserted into) a wireless device and communicating the device profile information to the network operator or the like. This allows for the network operator or third party entity to track and/or monitor the type of wireless devices existing in their respective wireless network. In addition, the automated nature of the tracking obviates the need for the subscribers/users of the removable modules to manually or otherwise provide the device identification to the network operators. In addition, present aspects provide for the network operators or third party entities to remotely and dynamically access the removable module to retrieve profile information related to the wireless device that a removable module is currently in communication with. This aspect, allows the network operator or third party entity to automatically retrieve and, in some aspects, update the profile information without requiring user intervention.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.
The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote the elements, and in which:
The present devices, apparatus, methods, computer-readable media and processors now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which aspects of the innovation are shown. The devices, apparatus, methods, computer-readable media and processors may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the innovation to those skilled in the art. Like numeric designators in the figures and the detailed description refer to like elements throughout.
Present aspects herein disclose apparatus and methods that provide for the network identification of the open market wireless devices that are being used in the network. Specifically, the present innovation provides for the wireless device to send identification information, herein referred to as profile information, to a network entity, such as a network operator or the like, based on the receipt (e.g., insertion) of a removable module in the wireless device. In one aspect, the removable module includes an executable application that provides for the removable module to retrieve the profile information from the associated wireless device and initiate the communication of the profile information to the network entity. The removable module-based application may further be operable to recognize that the device is being associated with the removable module for a first time (i.e., an initial insertion of the removable module in the wireless device), such that profile information is only communicated to the network entity based on a first time association/insertion of the removable module with the device.
Thus, present aspects provide for automated network identification of open market wireless devices, such that, network operators can readily and automatically identify open market wireless devices being used in their respective networks. Accordingly, the automated nature of the described aspects provide for network identification of open market wireless devices without requiring the device users to manually register or otherwise identify their respective devices. The network operator benefits from knowing which type, model, and the like wireless devices are being implemented in their wireless networks and can use this device profile information for marketing purposes and the like.
In addition, present aspects provide the network entity, such as the network operator or a third party entity, the ability to remotely access the removable module to request retrieval and communication of the profile information on an as needed basis. This aspect of the innovation is particularly useful in technical assistance/customer care scenarios, in which the network operator/customer care representative can remotely access and retrieve the profile information without any intervention on behalf of the device user. Such remote access and retrieval, alleviates the need for the user of the device to locate the information on the device and manually convey the information to the network operator/customer care representative.
Referring to
The term “removable module” is used herein to refer to any module that may be inserted or otherwise in communication with a wireless device and provides for storage of information, such as wireless service provisioning information and/or network service provisioning information. This, “removable module” may include, but is not limited to, a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) for a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a CDMA Subscriber Identity Module (CSIM) based on a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) for a CDMA system, Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) based on a UICC for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) system or the like. According to present aspects, the removable module is configured to enable the removable module to communicate with a wireless network 14, such as the network controlled by the network operator 16. In this regard, in the open market scenario, the removable module 18, as opposed to the open market wireless device 12, is relied upon to enable communication with the wireless network.
As such, the removable module 18 includes a device identification application 20 that is operable to be launched when the removable module 18 is received in, or otherwise comes in communication with, the open market wireless device 12. Once device identification application 18 is launched it is operable to retrieve device profile information 22 stored in the memory 24 of the open market wireless device 12 and prompt the messaging module 26, also stored in the memory 24 of the open market wireless device 12, to generate a device identification message 28.
The open market wireless device 12 includes a computer platform 30 including memory 24 and at least one processor 32. As previously noted, the memory 24 of the wireless device 12 stores device profile information 22. The device profile information 22 includes data about the respective wireless communications device, such as, but not limited to, make (i.e., manufacturer), model, device identifier, such as an electronic serial number (ESN) or a mobile equipment identifier (MEID), hardware identifiers, hardware capabilities, a software/firmware identifiers, software/firmware revision identifiers, and any other wireless device-related information of interest to the network operator or a third party.
The open market wireless device 12 additionally includes a messaging module 26 operable for generating a wireless-communicable message, referred to herein as a device identification message 28 based on a prompt received from the device identification application 20 executed on the removable module 18. The device identification message 28 serves to identify the open market wireless device 12 according to the device profile information 22. In this regard, the device identification message 28 may include all or any portion of the device profile information 22, as configured by the removable module and/or network operator. In one aspect, the messaging module 26 may further be defined as a Short Messaging Service (SMS), commonly referred to as a text messaging service, or any other messaging service capable of providing wireless communication between the open market wireless device 12 and the network operator 16 or third party entity. In this regard, any other voice messaging, data messaging, or multimedia messaging module may be implement in conjunction with the aspects herein disclosed without deviating from the present innovative concepts.
Additionally, the open market device includes a communications module 34 in communication with the processor 32 and operable to wirelessly communicate the device identification message 28 across wireless network 14 to the network operator 16 or other third party entity (not shown in
At the network operator 16 the system includes one or more network devices 40, such as network servers and associated storage devices 42, collectively referred to herein as a network entity. The storage device 42 includes a removable module/Wireless Device database 44 that associates removable modules 18 with each open market wireless device 12 identified according to the received profile information 22.
In one aspect, the network device 40 includes a computer platform 46 include a memory 48 and at least one processor 50. The network device 40 also includes a communications module 56 operable for receiving and sending wireless communications, and in particular receiving device identification messages, such as SMS messages including device profile information or the like. The memory 48 of the network device 40 includes a messaging module 54, such as an SMS module or any other suitable messaging module, operable for receiving device identification messages 28 from the communication module 56, acknowledging the device identification message as including device profile information 22 and forwarding the device profile information to the removable module/wireless device database 44.
In certain aspects, the memory 48 of network device 40 may include a device identification request module 52 that is operable to initiate the generation and communication of a device identification request. In one aspect, the device identification module 52 may be implemented by a network representative/customer care representative who desires identification of the open market wireless device while assisting a user/subscriber with technical support related to the removable module and/or wireless device. In other aspects, the device identification module 52 may be configured to periodically send device identification requests to removable modules on predetermined intervals to insure the currency of device profile information. In such aspects, the messaging module 54 may be further operable to generate the device identification request based on a prompt from the device identification request module 52 and the communications module 56 may be further operable to communicate the device identification request messages to one or more removable modules deployed in the wireless network.
The memory 24 of wireless device 12 includes device profile information 22 that serves to identify the wireless device and provides for other device capability and device status information. While the device profile information 22 shown in
Device profile information 22 includes data about the respective wireless communications device, such as, but not limited to, device manufacturer identifier 60; device model identifier 62; device identifier 64 such as an electronic serial number (ESN) or a mobile equipment identifier (MEID); a hardware identifiers 66, such as a display identifier, a speaker identifier or the like; hardware capabilities 68, such display resolution/configuration, speaker output/configuration or the like; software/firmware identifiers 70; software/firmware revision identifiers 72 and any other wireless device-based profile information 74 of interest to the operator.
As noted, system 10 includes removable module 18 that includes a device identification application 20 that is operable to be launched upon receipt (i.e., insertion) of the removable module in the open market wireless device 12. In optional aspects, the device identification application 20 may be further operable to determine if network identification of the wireless device is required. In such aspects, the device identification application 20, may determine the need/requirement for network identification based on whether the receipt of the removable module is a first-time, initial receipt of the removable module by the wireless device. As such, the device identification application 20 may be configured to verify that the device identifier, such as the ESN, MEID or the like, resides in removable module-based device identifier storage 78. If the device identifier for the device currently in communication with the removable module exists in the device identifier storage 78, it is assumed that the removable module has been previously received by this particular wireless device. Therefore, the device profile information was previously retrieved from the device and communicated to the network operator. If the device identifier does not exist in the device identifier storage 78, it is assumed that the removable module has not been previously received by this particular wireless device and, this, retrieval and communication of the device profile information to the network operator is needed/required.
In addition, the removable module may include an interface application 76 that is operable to allow the device identification application 20 to interface with applications/storage on the open market wireless device 12. The interface application 76 provides the necessary protocols and the like to allow the applications residing on the removable module to communicate with the applications/storage residing on the associated wireless device 12. In the illustrated example, the interface application 76 allows the device identification application 20 to retrieve profile information 22 and prompt the messaging module 26 to initiate generation of the device identification message 28. In the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) wireless network the interface application may be a CDMA Card Application Toolkit (CCAT), while other wireless networks may implement an associated suitable interface application 76.
As previously noted, in one aspect, the network device 40 includes a computer platform 46 including a memory 48 and a processor 50. The network device 40 also includes a communications module 56 operable for receiving and sending wireless communications, and in particular receiving device identification messages 28 and/or sending device identification request 82, such as SMS messages including or requesting device profile information or the like. The memory 48 of the network device 40 includes a messaging module 54, such as an SMS module or any other suitable messaging module, operable for receiving device identification messages/responses 28 from the communication module 56, acknowledging the device identification message/responses 28 as including device profile information and forwarding the device profile information 22 to the removable module/wireless device database 44. In addition, the messaging module is operable to generate device identification request messages 82 based on a prompt from the device identification request module 52.
The removable module database 44 may be configured with removable module identifier files 84 corresponding to an individual removable module controlled by the network operator 16. As such each removable module identifier file 84 may include one or more device profile information 22, which serve to identify the wireless devices that have been associated (i.e., used in conjunction with) with the removable module and the profile information related to the wireless device. It should be noted that the removable module identifier files 84 provide one exemplary configuration of the removable module database 44 and, as such, other configurations of the database 44, which may not utilize removable module identifier files 84 are also possible and within the innovative concepts herein disclosed.
As previously noted, in certain aspects, the memory 48 of network device 40 may include a device identification request module 52 that is operable to initiate the generation and communication of a device identification request. In one aspect, the device identification module 52 may be implemented by a network representative/customer care representative who desires identification of the open market wireless device while assisting a user/subscriber with technical support related to the removable module and/or wireless device. This aspect allows for the network operator to dynamically retrieve device profile information without the need for user-subscriber intervention. The device profile information that the network operator requests may an initial request for the device profile information or the request may be for the purpose of updating and/or verifying profile data previously existing in the database 44. In other aspects, the device identification module 52 may be configured to automatically send device identification requests 82 periodically to removable modules on predetermined intervals to insure the currency of device profile information.
In those aspects in which the network device 40 is configured with a device identification request module 52, the messaging module 54 may be further operable to generate the device identification request based on a prompt from the device identification request module 52 and the communications module 56 may be further operable to communicate the device identification request messages 82 to one or more removable modules 18 deployed in the wireless network. In response to the device identification request messages 82, the communications module 56 may receive a device identification response message 28 that includes the device profile information 22 of the open market wireless device currently associated with the removable module. The communications module 56 internally forwards the message to the messaging module 54, which based on flags in the header and/or formatting recognizes that the communication includes wireless device profile information 22 and, in turn, forwards the device profile information to the removable module/wireless device database 44.
Referring to
Wireless communications device 12 includes processor component 32 for carrying out processing functions associated with one or more of components and functions described herein. Processor component 32 can include a single or multiple sets of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover, processing component 32 can be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system.
Wireless communications device 12 further includes a memory 24, such as for storing local versions of applications/modules being executed by processor component 32. Memory 24 can include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and a combination thereof. Additionally, in some aspects (not shown in
Further, wireless communications device 12 includes a communications module 34 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more parties utilizing hardware, software, and services as described herein. Communications component 34 may carry communications between components on wireless communications device 12, as well as between wireless communications device 12 and external network devices 40, such as devices located across a communications network and/or devices serially or locally connected to wireless communications device 12.
Additionally, wireless communications device 12 may further include a data store 90, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and/or software that provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs employed in connection with aspects described herein. Optionally, in some aspects, (not shown in
Wireless communications device 12 may additionally include a user interface component 92 operable to receive inputs from a user of wireless communications device 12, and to generate outputs for presentation to the user. User interface component 92 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a navigation key, a function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, any other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any combination thereof. Further, user interface component 92 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any combination thereof.
Referring to
Network device 40 includes a processor component 50 for carrying out processing functions associated with one or more of components and functions described herein. Processor component 50 can include a single or multiple sets of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover, processor component 50 can be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system.
Network device 40 further includes a memory 48, such as for storing local versions of applications being executed by processor component 50. Memory 48 can include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and a combination thereof Optionally, in some aspects, memory 48 includes a device identification request module 52, and/or a messaging module 54 and the like.
Further, network device 40 includes a communications module 56 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more parties utilizing hardware, software, and services as described herein. Communications module 56 may carry communications between components on network device 40, as well as between network device 40 and external devices, such as wireless communication device 12, and including devices located across communications network 14 and/or devices serially or locally connected to network device 40. In one aspect, communications module 56 is operable for receiving device identification messages 28 and sending device identification request messages 82 and the like.
Additionally, network device 40 may further include storage devices 42, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and/or software that provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs employed in connection with aspects described herein. In certain aspects, storage devices 42 may store the removable module/wireless device data 44, and the like.
Network device 40 may additionally include a user interface component 94 operable to receive inputs from a user of network device 40, and to generate outputs for presentation to the user. User interface component 94 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a navigation key, a function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, any other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any combination thereof Further, user interface component 94 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any combination thereof.
In network 100, network device 40, such as a network server, can be in communication over a wired network 104 (e.g. a local area network, LAN). Further, a network database/storage device 42 may be in communication with network device 40 via the wired network 104. Network device 40 may receive and/or generate and communicate communication data packets, such as SMS message data packets to and from the open market wireless devices 12. Network device 40 and database 42 may be present on the cellular telephone network 100 with any other network components that are needed to provide cellular telecommunication services. Network device 40 and database 42 communicate with carrier network 106 through a data links 108 and 110, which may be data links such as the Internet, a secure LAN, WAN, or other network. Carrier network 106 controls messages (generally being data packets) sent to a mobile switching center (“MSC”) 112. Further, carrier network 106 communicates with MSC 112 by a network 110, such as the Internet, and/or POTS (“plain old telephone service”). Typically, in network 110, a network or Internet portion transfers data, and the POTS portion transfers voice information. MSC 112 may be connected to multiple base stations (“BTS”) 114 by another network 116, such as a data network and/or Internet portion for data transfer and a POTS portion for voice information. BTS 214 ultimately broadcasts messages wirelessly to the wireless communication devices 12, by short messaging service (“SMS”), or other over-the-air methods.
Referring to
At Event 202, based on the receipt of the removable module in the wireless device, the device identification application is launched. In most aspects, the device identification will reside on the removable module because the removable module is controlled by the network operator, which is the entity that desired device identification. In alternate aspects, it is feasible for the device identification application to reside on the wireless device.
At Event 204, the device identification application may check in removable module memory for a device identifier associated with the wireless device. As previously noted, presence of the device identifier in the removable module memory means that the removable module was previously received in the wireless device and that the wireless device profile data was thus previously retrieved from wireless device memory and communicated to the network operator. Conversely, absence of the device identifier in the removable module memory means that this is the initial, first-time receipt of the removable module in this particular wireless device and thus retrieval of the device profile information from device memory and communication to the network operator is required.
At Decision 206, the determination is made as to whether the device identifier for the present wireless device is currently stored in the removable module memory. If the device identifier is stored in the removable module memory then, at Event 208, the device identification application may be shutdown and no further device identification is required. If the device identifier is not stored in the removable module memory then, at Event 210, the removable module/wireless device interface application is launched to allow the device identification application to interface with the profile information storage locations and the messaging module. At Event 212, the device profile information is retrieved from wireless device memory and, at Event 214, the messaging module, such as a SMS module or the like, is launched and the profile information is communicated to the messaging module.
At Event 216, the messaging module generates a device identification message that includes at least a portion of the profile information. The messaging module may be specially formatted to provide the device information to be automatically recognized by the receiving network device as device profile information. Once the device identification message is generated, at Event 218, the message is wirelessly communicated to the network operator or a third party entity as configured within the device identification application.
At optional Event 304, a determination is made that network identification of the wireless communication device is necessary. In one aspect, such a determination may be conducted by the device identification application, which verifies that the device identifier associated with the current associated device is not stored in removable module memory. It should be noted that in alternate aspects, the device identification application may be configured such that every time the removable module is received, inserted or otherwise comes in communication with a open market wireless device, the profile information is communicated to the network operator. In such aspects, no determination needs to be made to determine if network identification is required, since all receipts, insertions trigger device identification.
At Event 306, the device profile information is retrieved from wireless device memory, in response to the receipt, (i.e., insertion) of the removable module in the open market wireless device. As previously noted, in some aspects the retrieval of the wireless device information by a removable module-based device identification application may be facilitated by an interface application that provides the necessary protocol and interface information to allow the removable module-based application to communicate with the device applications/modules and/or storage locations.
At Event 308, a device identification message is generated that includes at least a portion of the device profile information. As previously noted, the network operator may configure the removable module to communicate all or any portion of the device's profile information. In one aspect, generating the wireless communication may include launching a messaging module, such as a SMS module or the like based on a prompt from the device identification application, receiving the profile information from the storage location and automatically generating the device identification message based on receipt of the device profile information.
At Event 310, the device identification message is wirelessly communicated, via the wireless network, to the network operator and/or designated third party entities. At optional Event 312, the device identifier, such as the ESN, MIAD or the like, as determined from the profile information is stored in removable module memory. Storing of the device identifier in the removable module memory occurs in those aspects in which a determination is made as to whether network identification of the wireless device is required (i.e., whether identification was previously performed).
At Event 400, the device identification request is communicated the network address associated with the removable module and, at Event 410, the device identification response message is received at the network entity. The device identification response message includes device profile information associated with the open market wireless device currently in communication with the removable module. At Event 406, the device profile information is stored in a network database that associates the removable module with the one or more open market wireless devices that have been in communication with the removable module. In turn, the network database can be used by the network operator and/or third party entities to track the type and configuration of wireless devices used in their respective networks.
The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, at least one processor may comprise one or more modules operable to perform one or more of the steps and/or actions described above.
Thus, present aspects provide for methods, apparatus and systems for automatically providing network operators with identification of open market wireless devices that are used in the operator's respective network. Present aspects accomplish such by retrieving device profile information in response to the network operator's removable module being associated with (i.e., inserted into) a wireless device and communicating the device profile information to the network operator or the like. This allows for the network operator or third party entity to track and/or monitor the type of wireless devices existing in their respective wireless network. In addition, the automated nature of the tracking obviates the need for the subscribers/users of the removable modules to manually or otherwise provide the device identification to the network operators. In addition, present aspects provide for the network operators or third party entities to remotely and dynamically access the removable module to retrieve profile information related to the wireless device that a removable module is currently in communication with. This aspect, allows the network operator or third party entity to automatically retrieve and, in some aspects, update the profile information without requiring user intervention.
Further, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor, such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. Further, in some aspects, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. Additionally, in some aspects, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a machine readable medium and/or computer readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.
While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.
The present Application for Patent claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/975,405, entitled, “Apparatus and Methods Associated with Open Market Handsets,” filed on 26 Sep. 2007 and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60975405 | Sep 2007 | US |
